‘Ladies first’ etiquette a pleasant surprise for divyang brides
It was a big surprise for Divyang (a term coined by PM Modi for the physically challenged) brides when they saw that invitation cards of their marriage started from their names followed by those of grooms. The organisers of the mass marriage function held on a large scale for the first time here also sent the invites on their behalf. In a first ever initiative, the Swaraj Viklang Sewa Samiti 17 disabled couples, who were also financially weak, tied the knot at the grand ceremony at Rajarshi Tandon Sewa Kendra in Katra, on Sunday.
Some grooms were taken to the venue on wheelchairs. Prior to it, their grand marriage procession was taken out amid playing of Bollywood music. The couples were also gifted household items on the occasion. A team of volunteers was deputed at the venue to help women dress up as brides. The guests were welcomed with different delicacies. The brides also took selfies to capture this special moment forever.
Nearly 20-year-old Priyanka, who also tied the knot with one Sharad on the occasion, said she felt so happy when she saw that her name was mentioned before the groom’s name in the invite. “The name of 16 other brides was also mentioned first. Generally, we see that bride’s family mention her name first in the wedding invitation card and groom’s family mention his name first in their invitation card,” she added.
Likewise, for another bride Madhuri it was also big surprise. “It is a big honour for a woman,” she added with a smile. The brides Geeta, Chinni, Roshni, Anjani, Anita, Kajal, Saroj etc also echoed the same sentiments. According to president of Swaraj Viklang Sewa Samiti, Pyarelal Yadav, women should get respect in every stage of her life.
“By mentioning their name first, we not only wanted to give them due respect but also make this occasion special for them,” he added.
Earlier, the divyang couples were issued CMO’s disability certificates and rail passes.